June 18 is considered as an auspicious day in which good things are likely to happen. For graduates of Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG), it is really a good day to celebrate their successful accomplishment of academic study. 

As the COVID-19 begins evading in Yunnan, XTBG still holds activities for the graduates to gather with teachers and friends for a joyous celebration. Congratulations to 10 doctoral graduates and 27 master students. 

Following the tradition of their alumni, the outgoing graduates in their academic gowns and their teachers planted a tree (Dalbergia assamica Benth) for memory in front of the students’ apartment.  

The graduation ceremony and degree awarding was held in the afternoon, presided over prof. Yang Yongping, deputy director and CPC Secretary of XTBG. All students and supervisors gathered together to celebrate the “big day” of the graduating students, to celebrate their academic achievement, to honor their hard work and dedication.  

In his speech “Final course before graduation”, XTBG director Prof. Chen Jin acknowledged the graduates of this year as “the strongest of this kind” due to the influence of the epidemic of COVID-19. He wished life of the graduates is like navigating a great ship to break the waves and sail into the distance. 

As teacher representative, Prof. Chen Jianghua sent warm congratulations to graduates on their successful completion of studies.  

Graduate representatives reviewed the joys and sorrows of studying in XTBG, and spoke out their feelings and expressed their heartfelt gratitude to their teachers.  

Other leaders and teacher representatives also conveyed congratulations and best wishes for the graduates and their family.  

Prof. Yang Yongping announced the list of outstanding graduates. 

At last, Prof. Chen Jin moved the tassel of the caps of every graduate to the right place. He also posed photo with every outgoing graduate.   

After the degree awarding ceremony, all supervisors and graduates sang the song of XTBG “Our Garden, Our Home” in chorus, expressing their deep love to the garden, to the teachers, and to the students, etc. 

The graduates also experienced the tranquility of floating over the beautiful Flower Garden in a hot air balloon on the following day. 

Other celebration activities were also held, including football match, flea market, farewell party, etc. 

Prof. Chen Jin sends congratulations to outgoing graduates. 

Graduates and supervisors plant a tree for memory.  

Prof. Chen Jin movesthe tassel of the caps of every graduate to the right place.  

Graduates and supervisors pose a photo. 

All participants sing "Our Garden, Our Home" in chorus. 

Outgoing graduates experience the tranquility of floating over the beautiful Flower Garden in a hot air balloon.